Rich People Problems-Kwan 2017 (WWT)

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Standing in the patio outside the café, Astrid listened worriedly as Charlie tried to explain
the situation. “My security team did a full sweep. They searched every last inch of my
apartment but they couldn’t find a thing. No hidden cameras, no surveillance devices,
nothing. And I just heard back from the Singapore team—they couldn’t find anything in
your house either.”
Astrid frowned. “What does this mean?”
“I’m not sure. It’s pretty damn alarming that there’s video footage of us in my bed, but
no one has any idea how it was recorded.”
“Could it have been done from a drone?” Astrid wondered.
“No, it’s the wrong angle. We studied every frame of the footage, and it had to have
been shot from the foot of my bed, not out the window. Whatever device was in my
bedroom is now gone.”
“Oh that’s reassuring,” Astrid said mordantly. “So whoever planted the device came
back to remove it.”
“That would appear to be the case. Listen, I’m flying in more security experts from
Israel to do another assessment. I want them to go over everything with an even finer
comb. And then I’ll send them to Singapore to do another sweep of your house. Until
then, I don’t think you should go back to your place until we figure this out.”
Astrid leaned against a pillar, sighing in frustration. “I can’t believe this is happening. I
feel so violated, like nowhere I go is safe anymore. I feel like Michael has eyes everywhere
in this town.”
“Why don’t you come to Hong Kong? I’m holed up at the Peninsula now, in their
Peninsula Suite. This is where all the heads of state stay. It’s really the most secure place
you can be at the moment.”
“I feel like if I leave now, it’s admitting defeat. Michael will know he’s managed to
intimidate us.”
“Astrid, listen to me. What did we say last night? We’re not going to let Michael win.
We’re not going to let him dictate the rules here. You’re not fleeing town. You’re coming
to Hong Kong to see me, to have a good time, to start looking into options for our
wedding. Your grandma’s funeral is over, and we’re getting on with our lives,” Charlie said
reassuringly.
“You’re absolutely right. I have to come to Hong Kong. We have a wedding to plan!”
Astrid proclaimed, the fire returning to her voice.